Graphics Commission backs limited ‘gateway’ digital signs near downtown

Columbus’ Graphics Commission voted to recommend a proposed new zoning code section that would allow up to six building‑mounted “gateway digital graphics” in a designated area within 1 mile of the downtown district.

The recommendation, made after staff review and a round of questions, sends the draft code language to city council as part of the broader Title 34 zoning updates. The proposal limits the graphics to six locations, requires that they be affixed to buildings, and sets size, spacing and technical standards.

Shannon Pine, a presenter for the Graphics Commission, told members the proposal creates a new, standalone code section defining “gateway digital graphics,” the geographic “gateway” area (the downtown district and locations within 1 mile of any exterior point of that district) and the permit pathway: an applicant files for a special permit with the Graphics Commission for each gateway graphic. Pine said the new section also requires that the designs be “principally oriented toward the interstate or freeway.”

Director Scott Messer said the changes are tied to the city’s broader goal of modernizing the zoning code and graphics standards. “We’re not looking to turn this into Las Vegas or anything,” Messer said, “so that’s why they’re doing six signs.” He described the limit as an intentional cap to keep the number small while allowing “a little more life and vitality” in certain corridors.

Under the draft language discussed, each gateway digital graphic must be fixed to a building (not freestanding), may have up to two faces, must be between 1,000 and 1,200 square feet, and must display static images for a minimum of eight seconds between changes. No auditory elements would be allowed. Spacing rules would require graphics to be at least 1,200 feet apart in some orientations, and at least one mile apart if they face the same traffic orientation on the same side of a road. The code also states that signs sited within 660 feet of a freeway must comply with applicable ODOT/federal highway regulations.

Commissioners asked several questions about how the program would work in practice — including whether an applicant would need to demonstrate hardship (they would not; the special permit replaces the more cumbersome variance process), whether existing downtown signs could be converted, and what “fixed to a building” would allow in terms of rooftop or wall‑mounted installations. Messer and Pine said permit rules and administrative standards would be developed by staff to address technical details and structural requirements.

Pine also summarized application and enforcement mechanics: applicants must provide zoning clearance and documentation that they have permission from the property owner; the permit would expire one year after issuance if the sign is not installed; the commission would have authority to review and revoke permits if a sign becomes problematic; and owners must provide identifying information and affidavits as part of the permit file.

Staff noted legal constraints on content regulation, citing a U.S. Supreme Court precedent that limits government control over sign content. Messer told commissioners that, as a result, the city could not broadly censor content on off‑premise advertising displays, though some narrow content restrictions remain unlawful to apply.

After discussion, a commissioner moved that the Graphics Commission recommend the revised graphics code as presented; the motion carried. The roll call recorded the following votes: Commissioner Rothoff — yes; Commissioner Morgoff — no; Commissioner Tavares — yes; Commissioner Eric (first name recorded only) — yes. The commission’s recommendation will be forwarded to city council as part of the Title 34 zoning amendments.

Separately, at the start of the meeting the commission also voted to table application GC25‑014417 (Wyeth Avenue). That motion to table was seconded and the roll call recorded affirmative votes from Mister Ted Lares, Mister Hart, Mister Hartloff and Mister Moore. The tabling was entered as a formal action and the case will return at a later date.

The Graphics Commission’s approval is advisory; final code adoption requires city council action as part of the Title 34 zoning revision. Staff said the commission’s written recommendation and any comments will be forwarded to council for their consideration.